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Supporters plot E15 strategy in the Senate
Supporters of year-round E15 gasoline sales are making another push in Congress, but significant hurdles remain before the measure can become law. Backers of the proposal are working to attach E15 language to a larger must-pass bill in hopes of advancing the policy through a closely divided U.S. Senate. The effort would allow nationwide sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol throughout the year, a move strongly supported by corn growers and the ethanol industry. Industry groups are...
Transportation uncertainty will continue in 2026
Heading into 2026, U.S. agriculture faces questions about transportation challenges. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said no one likes uncertainty. Steenhoek said one of the biggest challenges has been the consistently low water...
Rethinking feed additives as cattle management tool
Feed additives have long been part of livestock production, but the way they are being evaluated is changing. As margins tighten and performance pressures increase, producers are taking a closer look at how additives fit into overall herd management, particularly...
Using soil tests to adjust nutrient applications in 2026
When it comes to having a successful crop season, soil nutrition is key. But it’s not just about having the proper nutrients in the soil- farmers need to focus on making sure those nutrients are available to the crops at the right time. Derek Emerine, national...
Farmers and ranchers encourage to share thoughts on WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. The public comment deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs...
Disease pressures and the livestock sector in 2025
Disease pressures in the livestock sector featured prominently in 2025 across the spectrum from poultry to cattle. Two of the biggest stories about animal diseases in the past year were highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm. Former USDA Chief...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by...
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Farmers need to think long-term when making planning decisions
Farming decisions this year can have a big effect for several seasons to come. Todd McRoberts, the Corn Technical Product Lead for Syngenta Corn Traits, said planning ahead is more important now than ever. When it comes to planning ahead, McRoberts said you have to...
November pork and beef export below year-ago levels
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest...
Phil’s forecast and possible ag implications
For those of us in the Midwest and eastern states, Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day forecast comes as no surprise with the famous groundhog calling for six more weeks of winter. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey who says that Phil’s forecast lines up with the...
Farmers aggressively sold soybeans in 2025
U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade tensions eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and...
USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of...
